Virginia Tech vs. Miami: Complete Game Preview

The Virginia Tech Hokies (4-4, 2-2 ACC) visit the Miami Hurricanes (4-4, 3-2 ACC) in very important match-up between coastal division teams. The Hurricanes are losers of three straight games while the Hokies have lost three out of the last four.

Both teams need the win to get closer to representing the coastal division in the ACC Championship.

What Happened to the Hokies Last Week?

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The Virginia Tech Hokies are also coming off a bye week ,but the last game the Hokies played was a 38-17 loss to the Clemson Tigers on Oct. 20.

Quarterback Logan Thomas threw for a touchdown and ran for another, but his two interceptions (one returned for a 74-yard touchdown) hurt any chance of a Hokie upset. Thomas finished the day throwing for 207 yards and running for another 99.

Wide receiver Marcus Davis also threw an interception on a trick play as the Hokies turned the ball over a total of four times.

The Hokies out-gained the Tigers 406-295 in total offensive yards, but the turnovers were too much to overcome.

What It Means for Both Teams

Much like any ACC game, this one will mean a lot for both teams, as both teams are in the same coastal division in the ACC.

Miami is tied with Duke for the coastal division lead with 3-2 records while Virginia Tech is right behind at 2-2.

If the Hurricanes beat the Hokies, they will take sole possession of first place in the coastal division and control their own destiny. If the Hurricanes lose, the chances of them making it to the ACC championship will become very slim, as Virgina Tech will own the tie-breaker.

After this game, the Hurricanes have just two more ACC games remaining (Duke and Virginia) while Virginia Tech has three (Virginia, Florida State, and Boston College).

*Note: North Carolina is not eligible to play in any bowl game this season, including the ACC Championship.

Key Player for the Hurricanes: Stephen Morris, QB

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During the first five games of the season the Miami Hurricanes offense was on fire, averaging 36 points per game. The last three have been the exact opposite, as the Hurricanes are only scoring 12 points per game.

The player that the offense needs to get rolling again is quarterback Stephen Morris.

During the Hurricanes' 4-1 start, Morris averaged 327 passing yards per game, nine touchdowns and just four interceptions. During the Hurricanes three-game losing streak he has averaged just 193 passing yards per game, one touchdown and three interceptions.

In order for the Hurricanes to win another ball game this season, Morris needs to find that groove he showcased in the first five weeks of the season.

Morris is a vital part to this team and if his bum ankle has improved over the bye week, Thursday's game would be a perfect opportunity to showcase that huge arm we saw earlier this year.

Key Player for the Hokies: Logan Thomas, QB

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In Virginia Tech's 38-35 win over Miami last year, quarterback Logan Thomas single-handedly destroyed the Hurricanes with five total touchdowns. He completed 23 of 25 passes for 310 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for another two scores, including the game-winner with just 59 seconds left to play.

The Hokies, much like the Hurricanes, are struggling on both sides of the ball this season but without Thomas, Virginia Tech probably wouldn't win another game this season.

In Virginia Tech's four losses, Thomas has thrown eight of his 10 interceptions. In the four wins, Thomas has thrown just two.

In a game where both defenses are struggling, Thomas will need to keep the ball out of the Hurricanes' hands, and if he can do that, the Hokies have a real good shot of winning.

The Hurricanes Will Win If...

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The Hurricanes will win this game if they can find some consistency on offense. Over the last three games the offense has been horrible, scoring just 12 points per game.

First, the coaching staff needs to find ways to get the ground game going. Virginia Tech's rush defense is giving up 167 rushing yards per game, and if either Mike James or Duke Johnson can keep the chains moving, it will allow the passing game to open up.

Stephen Morris will be the starting quarterback for the Hurricanes and will need to play much better than he has been of late. I know he is nursing an injury, but he has had over a week to rest and should be around 90 percent.

If the Hurricanes can run and pass like I know they can, Miami could win this game.

Prediction

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So far this season I have predicted all Miami Hurricanes games correctly, but this one will be the hardest one yet. Last week both teams entered the bye week at just 4-4 and haven't improved much on the season.

There are so many questions on the Hurricanes squad that have not yet been answered. The defense, although improving over the last couple weeks, is still questionable and is now playing against a very good quarterback in Logan Thomas.

The offense started the season on a tear but have only managed to score 12 points per game over the last three contests.

Virginia Tech, on the other hand, has been even more disappointing. The Hokies returned nine players on defense that finished the season ranked No. 10 in total defense last year—they are currently ranked No. 49.

This will be the first time since 2003 that the Hokies will fail to win 10 games in a season.

So who wins this game?

Both teams aren't that good, but Miami is at home on a Thursday night. Why does that make a difference?